Chapter 68: Rushing Won't Help
In the car, Derek’s gaze rested steadily on Vivienne. Vivienne, however, seemed oblivious, scrolling through her phone and occasionally tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
“Shall we have lunch tomorrow?” Derek asked, his voice breaking the silence.
Vivienne paused, then offered an apologetic reply. “I can’t. I have something very important to attend to tomorrow.”
Derek’s expression shifted subtly; he realized she planned to attend the bidding event in the city’s southern district herself. “Then… another day?” he asked, his brows knitting slightly as he observed her.
Vivienne nodded. “Sure.”
Before she could continue, the car stopped abruptly. The sudden jolt sent Vivienne forward, but Derek’s arm shot out, securing her waist and pulling her into his embrace. His arm remained there, enveloping her in the warm scent of his cologne.
Her head rested against his chest, where she heard the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. “Are you okay?” Derek asked, his deep voice filled with concern.
Vivienne nodded lightly. “I’m okay.”
As she moved to pull away, a sharp tug on her scalp stopped her. “Don’t move,” Derek murmured, his gaze softening as he looked down at her.
Her hair spilled over his arm, framing her delicate features and the elegant curve of her neck. Her smooth skin seemed to glow, tempting his touch. His dark eyes deepened, his throat tightening with unspoken emotion.
“Your hair’s caught on my button,” he explained, carefully freeing the tangled strands. He leaned closer, his warm breath grazing her neck, sending a shiver through her.
Her ears burned, and her fingers curled slightly. “Is it done?”
“It’s quite tangled,” Derek said calmly. “This takes patience—rushing won’t help.”
Something in his tone made Vivienne pause. Was he enjoying this?
After what felt like an eternity, Derek finally disentangled her hair. “There, all done.”
Having remained in the same position, Vivienne’s waist gave way, and she stumbled back—straight into his arms. Derek didn’t hesitate; his arm tightened around her shoulders, holding her securely. Her forehead pressed against his chest, the warmth of his body flooding her senses.
The unexpected closeness widened Vivienne’s eyes. Flustered, she stammered, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to—”
“I know.” His gaze held hers, steady and intent. Slowly, his fingertips brushed her cheek, leaving a trail of warmth.
The intimacy was overwhelming. Every instinct told Vivienne to pull away, yet Derek’s arm kept her rooted in place. When her eyes finally met his, her breath hitched. A spark ignited in his gaze, a fiery intensity that quickened her pulse.
“You have no idea how much you tempt me,” Derek murmured, his voice low and magnetic. His eyes lingered on her lips, dark and full of longing, as he leaned closer. The faint scent of him surrounded her, earthy and warm, making her fingers clench against his chest. Her lashes quivered, betraying her nerves, and she whispered softly, almost breathlessly, “Derek…”